Today, yet another group of up-and-coming Latino stars is bringing fresh energy to the Major Leagues through their passion for the game. Among these players are Gleyber Torres, Jean Segura, Juan Soto, José Berríos, José Ramírez, Luis Severino, Carlos Correa, Amed Rosario, Gary Sánchez, Kiké Hernández and Rafael Devers. Young players growing up in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela already have no shortage of baseball heroes to inspire, including:

Javier Báez – Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Chicago Cubs – 2B

With a sweet, powerful swing, soft, quick hands and preternatural instincts, Javier Báez embodies flare on the baseball diamond. Since making his Major League debut in 2014, “El Mago” (which translates to “The Magician”) has become a key player in the Cubs' lineup and one of the game's top infielders. Still only 25, the Bayamón, Puerto Rico, native has become a fan favorite because he plays the game with an unmistakable joy.

Francisco Lindor – Caguas, Puerto Rico

Cleveland Indians – SS

Another top Puerto Rican player who has taken the big leagues by storm is switch-hitting shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has played an instrumental role in Cleveland's baseball renaissance. Known as “Mr. Smile” throughout the league, Lindor is coming off his best season (38 HRs, 92 RBIs) and, at age 24, established himself as one of the game's top shortstops.

Ronald Acuña Jr. – La Guaira, Venezuela

Atlanta Braves – LF

Rookie Ronald Acuña Jr., only 20, helped lead the Braves to a surprise first-place finish in the NL East this season, batting .293 with 26 homers and 64 RBIs after joining the club in late April.

The La Guaira, Venezuela, native became the youngest major leaguer to hit home runs in five consecutive games and to hit a postseason grand slam.

Miguel Andújar –San Cristóbal, República Dominicana

New York Yankees – 3B

Getting an opportunity to play third base regularly for the Yankees following an injury to a teammate, Miguel Andújar never relinquished the job. The 23-year-old San Cristóbal native hit .297 with 27 HRs and 92 RBIs. “Papa,” as he is known throughout the league, hit is 45th double on Sept. 29 to break Joe DiMaggio's club record for most doubles by a rookie.

Edwin Díaz – Naguabo, Puerto Rico

Seattle Mariners – RP

With an overpowering fastball-slider combination, Edwin “Sugar” Díaz has become one of the game's most feared closers in his two seasons in the big leagues. At only 24, the Naguabo native has already broken the record for most saves in a season by a Puerto Rican player, the Mariners' single-season saves record and became the youngest pitcher to collect 50 saves in a season.

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